I had the 283 I'm rebuilding just about ****oned up when I realized that the new timing chain cover I had already installed didn't have the timing pointer on it. I dug out the old one and the crankshaft seal on it was toast. I made a small jig to re-locate the pointer and then drilled the two spotwelds out. In order to remove the new cover from the engine, and not wanting to remove the pan, I backed the two front pan bolts out a couple of turns and wedged the front of the pan down just enough to get the rubber pan seal out without tearing it up. Since the engine has never been fired, can I re-use that seal? If so, the only extra expense is going to be the timing cover and water pump gaskets.
As much as I hate to say yes, yes, if it isn't boogered up. Don't forget, there are 2 different pan to timing cover seals, thin and thick for SBC. I'm sure you have the correct one.
Then again..........It's a lot easier to do it right now than if it leaks after install. If you plan to run it on a stand first, that would tell the tale and still be an easy fix.
Absolutely, I wouldn’t think twice about reusing the seal. One think about being a professional mechanic, it gives you the experience to know what is possible. Your engine was never run, the seal was never exposed to oil, the seal was never heated up. I would clean off all of the sealant used in the corners, and put it right back together.
Why would you choose NOT to replace the gaskets? In a rush? If the old one fails will you replace it or just let it leak? If you would replace it then you aren't in that much of a rush? I try to do everything on my cars the BEST that I CAN. If I run out of talent or my skills aren't great, but I do things the best that I can. I will live with the short comings. However if I take a short cut because oF being in a rush or it's to hard, or I'm tired, well that's just a FOOLS mistake and I deserve what I get. Doing the right way means THE RIGHT WAY. Don't settle for GOOD ENOUGH!!
If it was mine I'd replace any seal that was disturbed. And considering how often those front seals for timing covers to pan can leak, I'd never let that seal be reused. I'd hate to see my brand new engine begin leaking after it was in the car for the cost of new seals, gaskets, and some time.
Of course you can still use the seal. It hasn't been damaged at all. Just ***emble like normal with dabs of rtv in the corners and all is well. I might be wrong though...only done it about 50 times in my job.
Back in the early 60’s we changed cams in the same way. Back before RTV for the corners. None of engines were even close to near new. We punPermatex #2 on the corners and on the pan gasket as best we could…new should not be a problem..
Leaking front seal slings oil everywhere,. usually ruins any rubber components. Belts ,hoses, front suspension bushings, damper rubber and oil is $5. + a quart
Permatex #2 best stuff ever, the seal will be fine, if sliding seal over crank twice - of course without nicking or rolling the tension spring out- hurts the seal That seal wasn’t going to last anyway! Dan
Pan gasket hasn't been crushed or displaced. Just enough down pressure on the thin bladed screwdrivers I used for wedges to allow the rubber seal to slide out.
Dah - Well hells bells, some days I’m so dense I make lead look super lightweight. Same thing though, if the seal isn’t damaged I’d reuse it and use the same sealant you used originally Dan
I don't see why it wouldn't work. It hasn't been crushed long enough to take a set, hasn't had heat or hot fluid on it. I don't see a problem. They make reusuable pan gaskets, what's the difference? Both are rubber.
This is going to be a coin flip. On one side you will have those that have done it and had luck doing so. On the other, you are going to have those that can't stand the risk/reward ratio. So, are you lucky and experienced, willing to take a risk? Or are you unsure and worried? Since you posted here asking, I'd wager you are in the second camp.
Pull the pan , get a 1 piece pan gasket put a new seal in the timing cover & a new gasket , one & done .
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